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Saturday 9 December 2023

Campbell, Samuel MacDonnell


Lieutenant Samuel MacDonnell Campbell

Campbell was born at Dungiven on 16th October 1882 to Robert M Campbell, Hotel-keeper and Mary Campbell nee McDonnell (spelling as per birth registration). They had married on 9th November 1876 at Tamlaghtfinlagan Church of Ireland, Co. Londonderry.
On 26th March 1900 Campbell joined Northern Bank at Head Office. His address at that time is recorded as Dungiven.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

In 1901 Campbell was boarding with the Allen family in house 59, Atlantic Avenue, Belfast. He is described as a Bank Official. There are 2 other boarders in the property.
Transfers followed his spell in Head Office with moves to Limavady (1903), Coleraine (1906 - Accountant), Larne (1910 - Cashier & Books) and Head Office (1915). 

Northern Bank, Coleraine branch

Northern Bank, Larne branch

By 1911, Campbell was boarding with Minnie Murray and her companion, Margaret Gladwin in house 53, Main Street, Larne, Co. Antrim. He describes himself as a Banker.
On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, Campbell signed the Ulster Covenant at Articlave Orange Hall.
On 10th May 1915, Campbell volunteered and enlisted into the 13th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was later attached to the 86th Trench Mortar Battery and promoted to Lieutenant.

Campbell was killed in action on 1st July 1916. 

The Belfast News Letter of 11th July 1916 reports:
Campbell was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal. 

S MacD Campbell - Medal Index Card

Campbell is buried in the Beaumont-Hamel British Cemetery, Somme, France.
Probate was granted at Dublin on 2nd October 1916 to Martin Richards, Dentist. Campbell's effects totalled £194 18s 9d.


Campbell is remembered on a private family memorial at Dungiven Parish Church.

Louise Millsopp tweeted that "She was honoured to lay this today (14th November 2021) .... Lest we Forget".


Family Headstone at Dungiven Parish Church
(Courtesy of Louise Millsopp)

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